FM Qureshi sits on hands as 23 embassies await appointments

Pakistan has failed to counter Indian diplomatic policy at the international level as it has failed to appoint heads of its 23 embassies in other countries since last 9 months. The process to initiate the appointments was slow as the Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mehmood Qureshi was hunting for blue eyed boys for induction in embassies.

Sources said that incumbent government has failed to name heads of embassies of 23 important countries including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Portugal, Japan, India, Singapore Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Algeria, Sudan, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Greece and Kenya. Names for appointment of counsel generals in New York and Frankfurt have not also been decided so far.

Pakistan’s ambassador to China has been given extension twice in his service. Following the induction of Sohail Mehmood as foreign secretary the position of high commissioner in India has become vacant.

Well-placed sources said that the FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi wants to appoint his favorites in other countries. The recommendations made by the Foreign office for appointment of heads of embassies still await his nod.

According to the diplomatic sources, former foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua has been recommended to be appointed as ambassador to China. Recommendations have also been made to appoint special secretary Imtiaz Ali as ambassador to Japan and the incumbent Foreign office spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal to Bangladesh.